Youth Chorus

History

Founded in 1986, the Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus exists to provide interested singers with extraordinary choral music experiences via outstanding music education and excellence in performance. High-quality repertoire, from a wide variety of musical styles, allows students to develop vocal and musicianship skills and be expressive artists. In addition to its guest appearances with the Chorale during each concert series, the Youth Chorus has appeared in concert with the Des Moines Children’s Chorus, The Milwaukee Children’s Choir, the Central Illinois Youth Symphony, the Irving School Choir, the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, the Heartland Festival Orchestra, the GospelFest Singers, the Opera Illinois’ production of Hansel & Gretel in the role of the children’s chorus, and performed in the Peoria Ballet production of the Nutcracker.

Membership

Youth in 6th-10th grades exhibiting strong vocal and musical skills are encouraged to join the Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus. No musical training or experience is necessary, and Vocal Placements are held each August and January. Many opportunities exist for parents and families to be involved in the success of the PACCYC. The Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus cannot operate successfully without the assistance of volunteers.

Vocal Placement

Vocal Placements for Fall 2026 will be held from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 25^th at First Christian Church (6400 N University St, Peoria).

For the placement, please arrive with a song prepared to sing. This can be a song of the student’s choice – a simple hymn, such as “Amazing Grace,” patriotic song, folk tune, or a simple Disney song — just something that allows the director to hear the voice in a song the student knows well. The director will also check voice range and quality using vocal exercises.

Rehearsals and Performances

The Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus meets for rehearsals at First Christian Church, 6400 N. University St., Peoria, on Tuesday afternoons, from 4:30-6:00 p.m. The first rehearsal of the fall semester will be Tuesday, September 1, 2026. In addition to various community events, the Youth Chorus presents two concert events a year. A fall concert will be held on November 1 at 3 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Peoria (6400 N. University St.)  and a spring concert will be held in March. They will also join the Peoria Area Civic Chorale in concert for An American Family Christmas December 18^th -20^st, 2026 and a spring concert series in May of 2027 at Five Points Washington.

All rehearsals are required.

Performance Attire

Students will perform in uniform attire for all community, Youth Chorus and PACC Performances. Boys will have the option of renting or purchasing black tux pants, white shirts and black vests/bow ties. Girls will wear Youth Chorus performance attire (black dress).

Tuition

A non-refundable Tuition payment is required for participation in the PACC Youth Chorus. Please make checks out to Peoria Area Civic Chorale, with the child’s name listed in the notes section on the check.

Single Student Fees

Youth Chorus tuition is $100 per student/per semester or $150 per year if the full year’s tuition is paid in September.

Family Discount Fees

For each additional child participating in one of our youth ensembles, the price for a semester or year is reduced by 10%. For example:
1st (oldest) child – 100%
2nd child – 90%
3rd child – 80%

The Tuition Plus program is a way for parents and students to extend the opportunity of singing in the PACC Youth Chorus to all talented children, not just those who can afford it. Please consider making a donation to this program.

Rehearsal Treats and Parent Monitors

Treats are provided for the students each Tuesday afternoon before rehearsal. Parents are asked to sign-up for a rehearsal to bring treats. We ask that treats are available for the students by 4:15 in order to begin rehearsal in a timely manner. Please be sure that the treats you choose possess nutritional value. Treats that are high in sugar adversely affect the rehearsal atmosphere. Also, one parent a week is needed to volunteer as rehearsal monitor. The rehearsal monitor will help with crowd control before rehearsals, monitor student breaks and handle any non-music concerns that may arise during the course of rehearsals.

The Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus is open to those of all abilities. To request accommodations, please contact our business office at 309-693-6725 or pacchorale@gmail.com at least 1 week prior to the event.

 

Professional Staff

Music Director – Mr. Andrew Sánchez

Andrew Sánchez is a composer, conductor, arranger, performer, and educator residing in Washington, IL. As an avid conductor, Sánchez has had the privilege to work with renowned orchestras, choirs, and directors across the country from Seattle-Tacoma, Denver, Cincinnati, Kansas City, and Southern California. He also attended a summer intensive at Cambridge University in the UK learning from the choirs and directors of Kings College, St. Johns College, Selwyn College, Wolfson College, Clare College, and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. While in the UK, Sánchez participated in a masterclass with the grammy-nominated vocal ensemble, VOCES8, sang Evensong and Compline services at Ely Cathedral and St. Johns College, and learned from the great Sir John Rutter. 

Sánchez currently serves as the Director of Music at Bethel Lutheran Church in Morton, IL. Additionally, he is the Youth Chorus Music Director and Associate Music Director of the Peoria Area Civic Chorale. As an in demand multi-instrumentalist, Sánchez maintains a thriving studio where he teaches private lessons in piano, trumpet, flute, saxophone, voice, and composition. As a vocal soloist, he enjoys singing art songs and solo repertoire from the many famous Requiems and has done so across the country. When not pursuing his musical goals, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife, children, and dogs.